RESUMO
The present study was designed to evaluate electrophysiologically the possible involvement of the ipsilateral peripheral nerves and nerve roots of the upper limb in Bell's palsy patients in comparison to their contralateral side. The study included 30 patients presented with Bell's palsy associated with subjective unilateral brachialgia. The patients were evaluated clinically and electrophysiologically. Although the peripheral nerves showed normal conduction compared to the standard parameters, however there was statistical significant difference between the affected and unaffected upper limbs. Needle EMG showed positive sharp waves, fibrillation potentials and polyphasic motor unit action potentials in the deltoid and biceps brachii muscles of the affected side of 8 patients [26.7%]. The changes observed at the peripheral nerves and nerve roots of the upper limbs may support the theory that Bell's palsy is a part of generalized polyneuropathy